If you haven’t heard — and how haven’t you, if you’re a CityBeat reader? — BLINK, the city’s largest event, is this weekend. As far as “things to do” go, it’s hard to top 30 blocks of the city being shut down for a giant festival. But that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to do in Cincinnati this weekend.
If you’re looking for even more to do on every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar.
All weekend, all over the city
It’s finally time. Every night this weekend, the city will transform into a dazzling display of light and art as two million people descend on the downtown Cincinnati area. For your guide on getting around BLINK, click here. To find out what’s new this year, click here. And for the rest of our extensive coverage, click here.
All weekend, Court Street Plaza
While this is technically part of BLINK, it feels like it’s special enough to warrant its own mention. Asianati’s “Night Market,” which showcases Asian food vendors, cultural entertainment, local makers, art installations and family-friendly activities, will begin Oct. 8 and run nightly throughout the festival. The market will open each night on Court Street Plaza at 5 p.m., two hours before BLINK turns the lights on. For more information, click here.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, Anderson Township
The now Mike Love-led Beach Boys are touching down in Cincinnati this weekend. Regardless of how you feel about his overall contributions to the band — “Kokomo” and “Surfin’ USA” aren’t awful, right? — you’ll still get to hear some of the best songs ever written played live, even if he had no hand in the matter. Attendees can enjoy two free hot dogs for showing up to the concert area early, too.
Saturday-Sunday, noon – 5 p.m., Cincinnati Zoo, Avondale
The Cincinnati Zoo’s Halloween event returns. Get some trick-or-treat candy. Ride the Pumpkin Express. Maybe you’ll even get to see Fiona crush a pumpkin in her jaws- who knows?
Saturday, 7:30 a.m., Reading and Pendleton Street, downtown
The little sister of the Flying Pig returns this weekend. Run a half-marathon or a four-mile race through the city, and claim your victory medal at Sawyer Point.
Friday – Saturday, Children’s Theatre, Over-the-Rhine
Audiences can head to the Emery Theater in Over-the-Rhine for a new adaptation of the Broadway and West End hit. The production promises “colorful characters, an irresistible score, high-flying theatrical effects and the Emery Theater’s immersive stage technology” for an all-ages show that brings the unforgettable Banks family and the magic of Cherry Tree Lane to the stage. Read more here.
Friday, 8 p.m., Hard Rock Casino, Pendleton
Legendary comedian Mike Epps performs a set at Hard Rock Casino this weekend.
Friday – Sunday, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Road, Colerain Township
One of the largest wine festivals in the region continues. Head up to Vinoklet Winery to see several different performers and shop various vendors as you drink wine to your heart’s content.
Friday – Sunday, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Rouse Theatre, 962 Mt. Adams Circle Dr., Mt. Adams
Inspired by movies like “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Now You See Me” and “The Usual Suspects,” this theatrical caper is a high-tech mystery for the stage. When Marvin assembles a team of professional thieves to pull off one last job, the heist goes sideways into a web of danger, betrayal and double crosses. What follows is a high-octane production that will keep you on the edge of your seat with lasers, aerial stunts and state-of-the-art projections.
Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m., Northern Row, Over-the-Rhine
If you’re a whiskey fan, there might not be a better place to go this weekend than Northern Row. The Over-the-Rhine brewery and distillery is hosting a whiskey festival this weekend inside the taproom, which will bring together 11 local and regional distilleries for an afternoon of whiskey tasting, judging and celebration of the growing distilling scene across the region. Read more about it here.
